Raipur : The ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (ICAR-NIBSM), Raipur, distributed 100 storage bins to Scheduled Caste farmers and women farmers in Beltukari village under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP). The initiative aims to promote scientific and safe storage of agricultural produce and reduce post-harvest losses during storage.
Addressing the farmers, Dr. P.K. Rai, Director of ICAR-NIBSM, emphasized that increasing agricultural production must be complemented by proper and scientific storage practices. He said scientific storage helps protect agricultural produce from moisture, pest infestation and other storage-related losses, while preserving its quality and quantity for longer periods.
Dr. Rai noted that scientific storage can not only reduce post-harvest losses but also help farmers achieve better economic returns. He added that the institute is continuously working to take scientific technologies and practical agricultural knowledge to villages based on local requirements.
Farmers Trained in Scientific Paddy Cultivation
During the program, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Joint Director and SCSP Coordinator, interacted with farmers and provided guidance on important post-transplantation crop management practices for paddy.
He emphasized the importance of timely weed management, balanced nutrient application, proper water management and regular crop monitoring to improve crop health and productivity.
Dr. Sharma also educated farmers about the identification and management of major pests likely to affect paddy crops during the upcoming period. He advised farmers to regularly monitor their fields and adopt appropriate scientific management measures at the early stage of pest infestation.
Focus on Farmers’ Economic Empowerment
Dr. Sharma said that through the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan, the institute is providing farmers with scientific knowledge, agricultural equipment, machinery, training and information on modern farming technologies.
These initiatives are aimed at strengthening farmers’ technical capabilities, improving the efficiency of agricultural operations and providing the necessary support to increase farm income.
Farmers Welcome the Initiative
The beneficiary farmers and women farmers expressed their gratitude to ICAR-NIBSM for providing the storage bins and scientific agricultural guidance. They said the storage facilities would help protect their produce and significantly reduce losses during storage.
The program was coordinated by Dr. K.C. Sharma, Principal Scientist.
